Welcome to 2008! Another New Year’s came again. It is a new start for you. And it brings you new opportunities, new dreams, new plans. Did you make any plans for New Year’s? In my case I set a plan; make an indefatigable effort in whatever I want to do. And to achieve my plan I am willing to practice Kaizen.

  After World WarⅡ, the words “Made in Japan” pretty much became synonymous with junk. But in the decades after that, there was a revolution that took place until “Made in Japan” became synonymous with the highest quality of automobiles, cameras and electronics. How did that transformation take place?

There is a Japanese word, Kaizen, that refers to a manufacturing approach called “Total Quality Control.” Kaizen calls for continuous improvement. It comes from the Japanese word "Kai" meaning change and "Zen" meaning good, for a better day. It says to you “Every day you do a little bit better. Every day brings at least one tiny improvement. And every day make an effort for oneself. Over the years and decades the result can be revolutionary.”
 

  I think that it is the type of thing to do for one’s improvement. It is not a radical change and improvement but rather, a continuous incremental change. I want to tell you about my Kaizen. I have been adopting one new practice every day. As I was given more and more English writing assignments, I had to make a portfolio piece to keep track of them. Portfolio pieces include error proofing and teacher’s feedback comments. It also includes all references from which I studied English. Now, it has become very useful in taking English tests and in doing other English assignments. I think Kaizen requires an attitude of integrity.

 
  In 2008, make every effort to add to your knowledge or something to it, self-control, and to self-control, perseverance. If you do like this day by day, surprising results will come to you. If you process these qualities in this measure, they will keep you effective and productive while you make improvements in your life.
 

  This wise advice suggests that we can Kaizen our life bit by bit and day by day exercising “Total Quality Control” over our lives. If we do, I think we will find that over the years and decades the results in our lives will be concrete and beneficial. I wish you make a fruitful year of 2008. I believe the “Total Quality Control” will help it and make you better.
 

By Park Sa-ra, Head Student Editor
#279 Desk Column